Today we are on the brink of Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, and our minds shift to those who died in active military service. In 1918, American teacher Moina Michael came up with the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in reaction to this poignant poem by John McRae:
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
The poppy isn't purely an American symbol of remembrance. People around the world use this delicate but resilient flower as a symbol of beauty and commemoration amidst chaos.
I searched the web for a variety of images celebrating the significance and beauty of the red poppy, and here is a look at a few of my favorite finds:
While poppies are gorgeous as flowers, it's the magnitude of loss represented in that last photo that really hits home.
My Favorite Things has some some pretty poppy products to make your paper crafts gorgeous and meaningful. Let's take a look at some lovely projects that will inspire you to create with poppies.
A riot of red poppies dominate the background in Yoonsun's stunning design.
Kimberly shows the delicacy of red poppies in her masterfully watercolored design.
The little touch of watercolor blue in the background of Kay's card really make her poppies POP!
Jody keeps her design simple with a neutral color palette other than the poppies themselves. I love the perfect touch of those three score lines to underline the sentiment.
Barbara's multi-colored poppies pop out of the Stitched Cover-Up Companion - Vertical Die-namics for a design with depth and movement.
Three pretty poppies simply radiate on the gorgeous and artistic blue and green background that Yoonsun created in this glorious design.
Before you go, take a look at a few of the pretty poppy things you can buy at the My Favorite Things online store! Simply click on the photo to be taken directly to the product. If the product is currently out of stock, you can sign up for an email notification once it's back in stock!
Here's to a creative and memorable weekend!
Stunning cards (Love that stamp!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a graceful post to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Thank you for the beautiful photos to capture the poppy. That last one made me gulp. As always, enjoy seeing the collection of beauties from the DT as well! Stunners, for sure! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT Post! Really enjoyed the photos & cards :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. I associate poppies more with Remembrance Day (celebrated in the British Empire in November). Would be nice to see this in November too for us Canadians 😀
ReplyDeleteAaahhhh poppies! What a beautiful post, Susan.
ReplyDeletethese are beautiful and i enjoyed the inspiration photos also.
ReplyDelete